Ilocos Norte Travel Guide

After an eight hour road trip to Ilocos Sur, where else should you go? --- Ilocos Norte, of course. If Ilocos Sur is to Historical Sites; Ilocos Norte is to Nature Trip.

THINGS TO DO

1. Experience pure adrenaline rush in 4x4 adventure ride and sand boarding at La Paz Sand Dunes. 

Rate: P2,500 - 4x4 ride and unlimited sandboarding (good for 4-5persons)

2. See Bangui Windmills upclose.

- There are hundreds of windmills spread out in the province of Ilocos Norte. Various windmills are also visible from major tourist attractions. The Bangui Windmills, in particular, are arranged in a shoreline of Bangui Bay. Aside from taking a photo beside a colossal electricity-generating fan, feel the breeze and hear the roaring sound of big waves. 

3. Enjoy beach bumming in the clear blue sea of Pagudpud - Saud Beach and Blue Lagoon.

- Enjoy walking on the long stretch of white sand in Saud Beach. It has a more laid back atmosphere perfect to have siesta or to have intimate to so-so conversation with a partner. 

- Blue Lagoon, on the other hand, has tranquil and adventurous vibe. It's also a surf destination in Ilocos.

Photo Credit: She Garcia's FB Page 

4. Check out the panoramic view from the hole of Bantay Abot Cave (a mountain with a hole).

5. For adventurous junkies, there are many activities available in Blue Lagoon. The 1.2 km. zipline of Hannah's Beach Resort could be on your toplist. 

Rate: P650-900/head

Photo Credit: hannasbeachresort.com

6. Experience a 30-minute hiking and enjoy the cold water of Kabigan Falls.
Entrance Fee: P20/head + P150 tour guide (2)

7. Take a closer look at Kapurpurawan Rock Formation.

- There's more behind that spectacular white limestone formation, curved by oceanic forces.

Entrance Fee: P120

8. Climb a flight of cemented stairs up to the highest viewing point of Cape Bojeador Lighthouse and enjoy a commanding view of South China Sea.

9. Meet our former president through memorabilia, interesting facts and 'the embalmed body of Ferdinand Marcos' displayed in a glass coffin at Marcos Museum and Mausoleum. 

Entrance Fee: P50/head

10. Visit Paoay Church a National Cultural Treasure and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Photo Credit: Rona Reyes FB Page 

11. Explore Malacañang of the North and behold the serenenity of Paoay Lake.
- Schedule: Tue. - Sun. 9am-4:30pm
- Entrance Fee: P30

Photo Credit: panoramio.com Nikroma2010

Photo Credit: adventuroj.co

12. Stop by at snake-like bridge, Patapat Viaduct.

13. Visit more museums.
- Museo Ilocos Norte, Gen. Luna St. cor. Llanes Sts., Laoag City
Schedule: Mon - Sat: 9am-5pm/Sun 10am-5pm
Entrance Fee: P50

Photo Credit: blauearth.com

- Marcos Museum, Brgy. San Agustin, Sarrat, Ilocos Norte (birthplace of the late Pres. Ferdinand Marcos)
Schedule: Mon.-Sat. 8am-12pm/2pm-5pm

Photo Credit: firingyourimagination.blogspot.com

- Juan Luna Shrine, Rizal St., Badoc, Ilocos Norte
Schedule: Tue. - Sun., 8am- 5pm
No Entrance Fee

Photo Credit: reddotde.com

14. Visit more old churches.
- Immaculate Conception Church, Batac, Ilocos Norte

Photo Credit: libotero.com

- San Andres Apostol Parish Church/Bacarra Church, Bacarra, Ilocos Norte

Photo Credit: ambot-ah.com

- San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish Church, San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte

Photo Credit: meliagerence.blogspot.com

- Sta. Monica Church, Sarrat, Ilocos Norte (near Marcos Museum)

Photo Credit: boyplakwatsa.com

- St. William Cathedral/Laoag Cathedral, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

Photo Credit: benjielayug.com

Sinking Bell Tower

WHERE TO STAY

There are many hotels, beach resorts and homestays located near Pagupud beaches. Pension houses, lodges, hotels and luxury resorts can also be found in Laoag City. See long list of accommodations in a separate post. 

WHERE TO EAT

Some of the most recommended restaurants and the must-try in their menu (Click the Photo Credit for reviews):

Emohruo Beach Restobar, Saud Beach Cove, Burayoc Point, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

 

Pinakbet/Photo Credit: live2eatbyanamhrinn.wordpress.com

 Glory's Empanada, Batac, Ilocos Norte

Batac Empanada/Photo Credit: bryologue.com

Herencia Cafe, McArthur St. Sanglada, Paoay, Ilocos Norte (in front of Paoay Church)

Pinakbet Pizza/Photo Credit: marilil.wordpress.com

Johnny Moon, La Tabacalera Ilocano Lifestyle Center, Llanes cor. Gen. Luna (West of Capitol), Laoag City 

Laureana Pasta Verde/Photo Credit: lazyblackcat.wordpress.com 

La Preciosa, J.P. Rizal, Laoag City

Dinardaraan/Photo Credit: cmgarrido.wordpress.com

Saramsam Ylocano Restaurant and Bar, N. Corpuz Bldg., Rizal Street corner Hizon St., Barangay 7-A, Laoag City

Poqui-Poqui/Photo Credit: lakbaykix.com

HOW TO GET HERE
Via Bus
Fariñas Transit
Laong Laan cor. M. dela Fuenta St., Sampaloc, Manila
Tel Nos.: 731 4507; 731 4375; 743 8580

Laoag Bus Terminal
Tel No.: (077) 772-01-27

GV Florida Bus
Earnshaw St, Sampaloc Manila
Tel No.: 7433809

Partas
Aurora Blvd., cor. Bernardino St., Cubao
Tel No.: 727 8278

Laoag Bus Terminal
Barangay 1,Laoag City, Philippines
Tel No.: (77) 7714898

Viron Transit
EDSA, Cubao
Tel Nos.: 726 7409; 726 7412; 727 3841

Dapitan cor. Blumentritt St., Manila
Tel Nos: 741 6538

*Travel Time: 10-11 hours from EDSA-Balintawak

Via Plane to Laoag International Airport
Philippine Airlines
Daily Flight Schedule: 12pm & 7pm

Cebu Pacific
Daily Flight Schedule: 7:30pm
- Travel time is one hour or more
- Ride a jeepney to Vigan

Tour Ilocos Norte & Ilocos Sur via van for rent (from Laoag)
Some van rentals (based in Ilocos) available in Facebook
Ilocos Travelers Van RentalLaoag Vigan Pagudpud Van and Car for rent
Van for Rent - Ilocos Norte Sur
Xyna Tours Van Service

Related posts about Ilocos Adventure: 
Ilocos Sur Travel Guide. 
3D/2N DIY Ilocos Escapade (sample itinerary and expenses)

*For contact details, more photos, reviews, rates and other information, click the places highlighted in red.

**Some details may change without prior notice.

***I was not commissioned to promote any hotel, restaurant, bus company. etc. The information listed is based on my own online research. Due diligence is necessary.

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3D/2N DIY Ilocos Escapade

Are you planning a vacation in Ilocos region? Nowadays, there are plenty of Ilocos tour package being offered by various travel agencies nationwide. This type of deal is mostly advantageous if you want to travel an unfamiliar tourist destination and has no spare time to make a research. The price range P2,850 to P3,999 seem reasonable since most packages already include transportation, accommodation and arranged itinerary. Less hassle, less worries.

ILOCOS NORTE

The other option is the DIY (Do-It-Yoursef) travel and tour. I, together with some relatives and few friends, opted to visit Ilocos through this alternative. We are a group of 11 people (including the driver). It was a 3D/2N escapade which took place last April 24-26, 2015. We rented a Nissan Estate for this trip. Fortunately, our driver is very familiar with all the roads leading to the region’s popular destinations. A native of Isabela, his skill in speaking Ilocos' dialect is also a great supplementary. He was our driver and tour guide rolled into one.

 ILOCOS SUR

Going to Vigan, Ilocos Norte from Manila is approximately 8 hour road trip (SM North EDSA as the starting point). From Vigan, Ilocos Sur you'll be spending additional 2-3 hours on the road if you are going to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. Sure, it's a long travel but it's worth it. Countless majestic natural sceneries are so captivating. It is a vacation that you will remember for a lifetime. The collage I provided here is just a peek of what you can expect in Ilocos. More photos will be provided in separate posts.

For those who would prefer the DIY travel, here’s our actual itinerary and breakdown of expenses for your information and guidance.

Other places included in our itinerary but decided to skip due to time constraint:

- Museo Ilocos Norte
- St. Andrew of the Apostle Parish
- Bangui View Deck
- Juan Luna Shrine
- Syquia Mansion (house of Elpidio Quirino)
- Burgos Museum
- Pagburnayan Pottery Making

Other Activities:

* When you’re in Pagudpud, I notice that there are many activities you can do in Blue Lagoon than in Saud Beach. One very popular activity is the 1.2km zipline of Hannah’s Beach Resort. Rates: P650 - P900.

* Extreme adventure @ Ilocos Sur Adventure Zone in Quirino Bridge

Tips and Suggestions:

* 4x4 Ride and Sandboarding Adventure are extreme activities that you shouldn't miss. During peak season, the operators/rganizers/association tend to have hectic schedule. It would be advantageous to deposit down payment to secure priority slot. You can start as early as 6am to avoid too much sun exposure in the desert. Our contact is Mr. Glenn Guerrero.

* For budget travellers, there are many homestays in Pagudpud where you can use kitchen utensils, dining wares, griller, refrigerator etc. In our case, RB's Homestay regular rate is P5,000 for the entire house. During our stay, however, the owner accommodated two groups. He charged us P350/head. We had a common kitchen and comfort room. Overall, I give this homestay  a "Pop" rating.

* For large groups, there are many hotels in Vigan that offer dorm type room which is cheaper than regular rooms. Metro Vigan Inn, although not located within Calle Crisologo, is highly recommended. 

* There are many budget hotels in Laoag City. This is where a lot of travel agencies book their clients. More info in my future post. 

* If you are going to rent a van, it is very beneficial if the driver knows the route to Ilocos tourist spots. When you're inside the vehicle, it's either you just want to look at the majestic views of Ilocos or have a siesta.

* Bring cap, hat, umbrella or any protector against the sun.
* I observe that some souvenirs like key chain and ref magnet are quite cheaper in Cape Bojeador Lighthouse as compare to other places. In Marcos Museum and Mausoleum you can buy Ilocos' chips at more affordable price. 
* For foodies, some Ilocos favorites are Batac empanada, Vigan longganisa, Bagnet (Ilocano version of lechon kawali), Chichacorn (Ilocos version of cornik), Fusion pizzas (Pinakbet pizza, Dinuguan pizza etc), Bibingka (taste more like cassava cake/tikoy), Dinengdeng (vegetable soup, Igado  (pork meat and liver sauted in vinegar and soy sauce) and Poqui-poqui (a smoked eggplant dish). But the most bizarre food we've tried in Ilocos was a halo-halo with macaroni elbow and melon powder. :D 
* In Vigan City, the most popular restaurants are almost always full. Get a number from the counter and wait outside until your number is called. That's the only time you can place an order.  So, please bring long thread of patience.  
* One interesting way to enjoy Vigan is through a Kalesa Tour. More info in my next post. 

For your reference:

4x4 Ride and Sandboarding Adventure @ La Paz Sand Dunes
Mr. Glen Guerrero

Contact Nos.: (0908) 885 3669; (0910) 947 4129; (0915) 456 1133

Website: ilocossandadventures.com

Facebook: Ilocos Sand Boarding Adventures (Sand boarding & 4x4 Ride)

Accommodation

RB's Homestay - Saud, Pagudpud

Contact Nos.: Ryan (0921) 999 5996; (0915) 797 8999

Facebook: Pagudpod Home Stay

Metro Vigan Inn - Bayubay Norte, San Vicente, Metro Vigan

Contact Nos.: (0917) 824 3800; (0917) 824 4800

Website: metroviganinn.com

Facebook:  Metrovigan Inn

P.S. My other discoveries about Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur coming soon...

*For contact details, more photos and other information, click the destinations/contact person in red font.

**Details may change without prior notice.

***I was not commissioned to promote any individual, beach resort and hotel. The information listed is based on my own personal experience. Due diligence is necessary.

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